Friday, May 11, 2007

Symposium Bloggers

Students Blog Contributors
from Rhodec's OnLine Educational Symposium
Read on to learn from their perspective!

Topic 11: What Employers Are Looking for in Graduates - Portfolios, Interviewing and Resumes, Presented by Cindy Burket and Susan Filken

I enjoyed the session a lot. It was very informative and Cindy and Susan did a very good job with providing detailed information with regards to the working on resume as well as portfolios. They gave us the detailed questionnaire which will be very useful for students.
I understood the value of internship, network, as well as voluntary working for some organizations. The session also made us understand the importance of CAD and also membership in organizations like ASID.

This session along with the Topic 12 on Friday (How to Make an IMPACT as a student) were very useful for me and I believe for all the students who attended these sessions.
Revathi Dhillon
Rhodec Student
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Topic 12 – How to make an IMPACT as a student, Presented by Fiona Worboys

It was a pleasure and a privilege to take part in the online discussion of “How to make an impact as a student.” The power point presentation which was emailed ahead of time made it easy to follow along, and gave the discussion a clear direction.

Fiona did an excellent job of leading us in this discussion. She organized the topic, and discussion process in such a way that it helped us to cover a large amount of information in a short amount of time. During the course of this discussion, Fiona did an excellent job of pointing out the professional and personal benefits of being involved in the various activities which were discussed.

The most beneficial aspect of this topic was that it was motivational. It not only educated us about the many ways available to get involved as a student, but also motivated us to take action, and seize these opportunities. As a recent graduate herself, Fiona was able to draw off of her past experiences to tell us which things have had a positive effect on her life and career, and which things she would do differently. I feel that in doing this, she was able to capitalize on the most beneficial aspect of the online learning environment, which is the opportunity to learn from the trials and errors of those who have shared, or who are sharing in your experience.
Leslie Crossley-Figueroa
Rhodec Student
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Topic 12 – How to make an IMPACT as a student, Presented by Fiona Worboys

Even though I was 15 minutes late in entering the room for this topic, I was able to gather much information on getting involved as a student that I am sure will help me in my studies and beyond. While a lot of it was familiar territory, like joining professional organizations and internships, it is always nice to have a brush-up course, as it is so easy to get sidetracked from the issues that matter, since interior design is so much fun to study! Some of the information was new, as
well, like some of the magazines and website links that we were introduced to.

I especially appreciated the handout that was prepared by Fiona for the class. It was simple and to the point, and had illustrations as examples, like logos for various organizations to get involved with. I love it when instructors make things this easy to follow! Even though I didn't take good notes, it is enough to have this outline to keep me on track in the future.

The student interaction and questions were fun and though-provoking. Each question was answered and none of us were made to feel silly for asking them. It is nice to get a chance to have an interactive conversation, since waiting for email responses or bullletin board answers don't have that thrill of immediate feedback.

All in all, I felt it was a great topic to cover!
Rebecca Wesby
Rhodec Student
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Topic 13:
“The British Interior Design Association Goes Global – How Can It Help You” Presented by Dean Keyworth

Like most middle-aged people, I question my technical competency so I began my Symposium experience by obsessively checking and rechecking the sign-in instructions. Fortunately, I did something right because I found myself in the chat room of my first topic, #13 “The British Interior Design Association Goes Global – How Can It Help You” with a couple of minutes to spare. Even more amazing, I had a second window open and was able to follow along with the power point presentation. Not bad for an old gal!

Our instructor for the session, Mr. Dean Keyworth, the Chairman of BIDA (and himself a Rhodec Diploma graduate) was very much the English gentleman and put everyone at ease. His presentation was detailed yet to the point and questions flowed easily during the session.

Given that Rhodec is based in Great Britain, I had signed up for the session to see if BIDA membership would be open to Rhodec students worldwide and, further, if it would be beneficial to join. The answer to both questions was “yes”. With goals that essentially mirror those of ASID, BIDA essentially seeks to ensure excellence in design, provide support for members and serve as the client’s guarantee of professional interior design services.

In summary, there are three levels of BIDA association: Student, Associate and Members. Students can benefit from the many educational opportunities BIDA offers, the wealth of information in the members areas of the website (www.bida.org) as well as from the opportunity to work with other student member volunteers as part of the team for the BIDA publication dE-Zine. (The latest issue featured Kelly Garcia and the Symposium!) Students also have the opportunity to take part in several design competitions each year. “Look out for these as the prizes are often worth having and the PR can be a great start to your career, “ Mr. Keyworth advised. He also noted that students should check dE-Zine for information on a prize that is offered by BIDA for second year design students.

Once graduated, Associates (at least 1 year of work experience plus degree) and Members (a combination of at least 6 years of work and training) can use the BIDA logo as a testimony to their proficiency (full BIDA professional membership is selective by “strict criteria”).

BIDA offers members at any level networking, educational and resource opportunities as well as job listings and referrals. BIDA also actively supports the craft industry by providing funds for artists who supply the ID industry.

Additionally, BIDA is joining the IFI (International Federation of Interior Architects), a global body that is trying to introduce international standards.

A parting thought from Mr. Keyworth – “This Symposium has spurred me on to consider online BIDA seminars that could be accessed from anywhere in the world.”

Looks like we’ve started something!

Christine Hnat
Rhodec Diploma Student

Ohio, USA

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Topic 14: "The Use of CAD in Interior Design" by Jay Zirbel

I really enjoyed this session as it was informative, relevant, and resourceful. The dialogue was interactive and open to students to comment throughout, making it easy to ask questions. The whole experience was excellent for students like myself who have little contact with other students, and design professionals. Thank you to Jay and everyone who helped bring this opportunity to us.
Joanna
Rhodec Student

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Topic 21: Energy - Green & Universal Design, Presented by Deborah Asbury

It was an impressive two-day symposium I have never participated in my school times in the way it was conducted. Imagine you can join so many sessions in the cosiness of your own home and interact with so many people. It was an amazing experience for me. Thanks so much to Kelly Garcia and her team for the great work!

I did really enjoy the discussion during the session on topic-21 conducted by Deborah H. Asbury, my great tutor by the way, despite my being late to join the session because the difficulty I encountered to get into the room. But, all-in-all, it was very educative, expand my knowledge, and better understanding on Green & Universal Design. I personally appreciate so much for Debbie who teaches me lots of things during my last two modules. I hope the Green & Universal Design concepts could be completely implemented in our design world and daily life of the public as well.
Glenna Witoha
Rhodec Student




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